Leslie Whitcomb Van Dyke, 78, formerly of Chatfield

Leslie ("Les") Whitcomb Van Dyke, 78, husband of Karleen Anderson, formerly of Chatfield, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012.

He was born December 24, 1934, in El Centro, to Maurice and Marjorie Van Dyke and grew up in Laguna Beach.

Leslie ("Les") Whitcomb Van Dyke graduated from Laguna Beach High School in 1952 and graduated from CSU Long Beach with a BA in Music in 1957 and MA in Music in 1958. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserves, was an entertainment supervisor at Disneyland and with Tommy Walker Entertainment, taught music at Inglewood High School, taught music and directed student activities at Newport Harbor High School, was a school administrator at Agoura High School, and was a school administration mentor at Calabasas High School.

He was also a member of Westlake Village Methodist Church and pianist for Bible Study Fellowship in the San Fernando Valley.

He loved spending time with his grandchildren, working with youth and music, singing or directing choirs, playing in the community band, traveling (especially to visit his daughter), sailing, walking each day, sharing meals with family and friends, and living life to its fullest.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years Karleen; his two children, Stuart and Melissa; his three grandchildren, Corinne, Kyle, and Anja; brothers-in-law, Hank (Judy) Anderson of Chatfield, John Anderson of Apple Valley; a sister-in-law, Marlene Anderson of Chatfield; and many extended family members, all of whom will dearly miss him. He was preceded by his parents and brother, Jerol (Jerry).

A celebration of his life was held at Ascension Lutheran Church, Thousand Oaks, on Sunday, Aug. 26.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Les's memory to the Westlake High School Choral Music Program.